The Government recently introduced new traffic rules as well as revised fines to streamline the transport sector. This saw a strike by a number of public service vehicle (PSV) operators, protesting that the laws are too strict.
Fortunately, the authorities shunned their rather invalid claims and the former soon had to resume duty and tow the line.
An issue has however emerged on how the traffic police officers and PSV drivers as well as their touts are relating in regard to this matter.
These two groups are guilty of breaking the very set of traffic rules that should bring order.
For example, it has become common for traffic officers along the Kisumu-Busia Road to stop unroadworthy and overloaded PSVs to take bribes from errant drivers and touts.
The PSV crew bribes the police so that they can be allowed on the roads.
It is crucial to note that the essence of these traffic rules is to ensure vehicles conform to traffic laws so as to reduce road accidents and ensure sanity for all road users. If a driver is found breaking the law he or she should be punished accordingly.
As responsible citizens, we need to eliminate such anomalies because they indirectly affect us: If a vehicle is involved in an accident, it is the passengers are the first casualties.
Therefore, let us join hands and end this perpetual bribery for the sake of our safety.
Brian Oluchiri, Luanda
